Sliding into the season!

    By: Leighlah Silva 

It is that time of year again, baseball season has started here at PHS! The head coach, Coach Standley, has some high expectations for his team. “Our goal is to win the district championship”, last year they made it very far and enjoyed every moment of it. Coach Standley is most sure that these young men have what it takes to go far. The tryout requirements involved tracking the speed of a throw, hitting a baseball off of a “Tee”, and also tracking the speed of that, they have a timed mile-and-a–half run, and they are required to catch pop flies while saying “ball,ball,ball”. 

Coach Standley has coached baseball for twenty six years as a head coach. This is his fifth year at Pleasanton as a head coach, unfortunately his first year at Pleasanton was cut short due to Covid-19. Coach Standley played baseball all his life including college baseball. “I’m a very competitive person and I grew up playing baseball. I’ve played college baseball. It’s anatomy to help kids become better people, fathers, sons, husbands. Baseball tides in with all that very well”. Baseball has been Coach Stanley’s way to meet these wonderful young men and teach them ways to be better on the field, in the classroom, and outside of the classroom.We wish the baseball team a good season and hope to see them at district championship. Pride, Pride!

This basketball season is slowly coming to an end and it is safe to say that we have fought very hard this season. Our lady eagles are sitting at 5th place in district, and our boys are at 6th as of right now. Here are some of the scores from our boys’ most recent games: Carrizo Springs 51-52 (loss), Devine 41-65 (win), Somerset 30-39 (loss), Pearsall 53-63 (win), and lastly Floresville 45-54 (loss). Time for the girls: Pearsall 28-36 (win), Floresville 36-61 (loss), Uvalde 30-47 (loss), Carrizo 42-37 (win). Way to fight Pleasanton Eagles!

Our Lady Eagles were very close to making it to the playoffs, and here are some words to wrap up the season from one of our Lady Eagles Tanner McDougal- “We have had a very good season considering how many of our starters graduated last year. We have had to rebuild our line up but I feel that we have done a great job of coming together and working as a team.” As you can see our players worked very hard to rebuild their team and try their best to fight this season.

Overall our basketball program has definitely had lots of rebuilding to do this season and worked very hard and came very far this season. They may not have won every game, but they always put in their best effort to connect and rebuild the teams on both girl’s and boy’s sides.

Live-Love-Pitch 

By: Leighlah Silva

Get ready to rally under the lights and feel the pulse of the school spirit in softball! Softball season has officially started here at PHS.“The goals for the season are to continue changing the culture of the softball program.  This is a rebuilding year; and we want to add to the foundation that we started last year. We will be very young this season and introducing new concepts to the younger group as well as the returners from last season. We will always build on the success from the previous year and our goal is to have a successful season and make the playoffs.” says Coach Cook, Which we know they are capable of. 

The newcomers have settled in very well on the team “Great team, just need more experience”. The freshmen have really out done themselves especially during tryouts.“We put the girls through a variety of drills that tested their abilities to catch, throw, run, and hit.  They had to be able to attempt each drill and were given a score based on how successful they were at completing .We recorded their times from contact to first base and to second base. We were looking for kids who could achieve times to first in 3.5 seconds and 7 seconds or less to second.” And they have surely found them. 

The girls have played in scrimmages and tournaments, they are having a very good start to the season with not much loses. We hope the girls have an amazing season and continue to shine bright in the school’s eyes. Pride, pride!

By: Shyanne Sexton

The Atascosa County Stock Show, an annual gathering steeped in tradition and camaraderie, serves as a celebration of local agriculture, livestock, and the enduring bond between farmers, ranchers, and the wider community. Back in January, Atascosa County held a livestock show in which many Pleasanton FFA members participated in. Listed below are all the placements from this year:

Market Rabbits: Rebecca Martinez – 36th

Broilers: Lillian Krause – 4th, Hayes Pawelek- 8th, Luke Krause – 19th, Juan Carlos Cruz – 20th, Emery Pawelek- 21st, Holden Pawelek- 25th

Market Goats Class 2: Caylee Durbin- 3rd, Mason Taylor- 4th 

Market Goats Class 3: Mason Taylor – 2nd

Market Goats Class 6: Mason Taylor- 6th, Isabella Palacios 8th

Sr Goat Showmanship: Caylee Durbin- Champion Sr Goat Showmanship, Mason Taylor- 4th

Jr. Swine Showmenship: Kason Kelley- Reserve Champion Jr Swine Showmanship, Kaleigh Olle- 3rd

Int. Swine Showmenship: Ainsley Kelley- 3rd, Tycen King- 5th 

Sr Swine Showmanship: Ashton Barker- Reserve Champion Sr Swine Showmanship

By: Shyanne Sexton 

As a first year teacher here at PHS Ms. Huizar, a name that has echoed through the hallways with much joy over the past semester, and for this reason has been elected for this month’s teacher spotlight. “I have a love and respect for the learning environment. I see teaching as a way to give back to the community,” shares Mrs. Huizar when asked about her motivation to become a teacher. Her journey into the realm of education was fueled by a profound sense of purpose—a desire to make a positive impact and nurture the minds of the next generation. Upon joining the faculty at PHS, Ms. Huizar found herself returning to familiar territory. “I chose to work at PHS because I’ve always wanted to stay close to home,” she explains. The decision to embrace this opportunity was serendipitous, yet transformative. Despite the unexpected nature of the job offer, Mrs. Huizar embraced it wholeheartedly, and it’s a decision she wouldn’t change for anything. What sets PHS apart for Ms. Huizar is not just its proximity to home, but the profound sense of camaraderie and support that permeates the school environment. “The support from peers and teachers has been unmatched,” she reflects. It’s this sense of unity and collaboration that fosters a nurturing atmosphere, both for educators and students alike. Beyond her role as an educator, Mrs. Huizar leads a vibrant life filled with diverse interests and hobbies. “In my free time, my hobbies include riding, crossfit, running, and dancing,” she shares. As Ms. Huizar continues to inspire and empower her students at PHS, her impact extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. Through her dedication, passion, and genuine care for those around her, she exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator.

In spotlighting Ms. Huizar’s story, we celebrate the invaluable role of educators in shaping the future and providing a community of learning and growth.

Officer Lozano is a police officer in Atascosa County. He has been recognized for his dedication to public service and was chosen as the Staff Spotlight for this month. In an interview, he discussed his passion for his job and his strong connection to the community. 

Officer Lozano has lived in Atascosa County for 38 years and has been an officer for 17 years. He was inspired to be a police officer during his junior high years. From 2006 to 2014, he served with the Sheriff’s Department in Atascosa County, which helped him understand the local law enforcement dynamics.

Officer Lozano has a great affection for the students and staff he works with. When asked about his feelings towards the school community, he expressed his love for the students and staff, by describing them as awesome people to work with. This sentiment shows his commitment to maintaining law and order while fostering positive relationships within the community.

Officer Lozano plans to run for an elected position as the Atascosa County constable. He wants to continue his commitment to the community beyond the traditional role of a police officer. He stands out as a devoted public servant in Atascosa County, embodying the values of community, service, and integrity. His story is a testament to the unyielding spirit of those who commit themselves to the betterment of their community, and it extends beyond his work in law enforcement.

Student spotlight 

By: Leighlah Silva 

Welcome back PHS, another month has passed which means another article! This month’s student spotlight goes to the amazing freshman Claire Keylich. Claire is involved in many extracurricular activities including student council, volleyball, and soccer. “I’ve been doing volleyball since 7th grade and have been in club volleyball for 3 years. I made varsity volleyball this year and it was definitely a big jump from 8th grade to varsity, a whole new level but I was able to adjust and improve to have a successful season. Lastly, I’ve been playing soccer since I was 5 and I’m now a freshman on varsity. Varsity soccer is a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I’ve gotten better at adjusting to the speed and rhythm of the game which has made me improve a lot”. As you can tell Claire is a highly gifted student-athlete, making varsity in two sports as a freshman is very outstanding! 

Claire has accomplished so much and will continue throughout her years at PHS. “My mom helps me the most when I need help or encouragement whether it’s sports, school, or advice. She is always giving me positive feedback and is always encouraging me at my sport events or my school events, however my sister inspires me the most. I always look up to her and she is the person who is always there for me. She is the first person I go to whenever something happens or whenever I need her the most”. Claire is a great role model and always will be! The Quill staff hope you enjoy the rest of Claire’s highschool years, and we hope everything continues to go well for her. We are honored to have this opportunity to write an article about this outstanding freshman. Pride pride.

By: Shyanne Sexton

As February unfolds, so does an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the rich African American history and culture. Black History Month serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and invaluable contributions of Black individuals throughout history. From trailblazers who shattered barriers and paved the way for progress to unsung heroes whose stories remain untold, Black History Month offers a platform to honor the diverse voices and experiences that have shaped our world.

This month, let us remember the courage of civil rights activists who marched, protested, and fought tirelessly for equality and justice. Let us pay tribute to the creativity and innovation of Black artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers who have enriched our lives with their brilliance and vision.

Moreover, let us acknowledge the countless achievements and triumphs of Black communities across the globe.

As we commemorate Black History Month, may we not only reflect on the past but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of equality, diversity, and inclusivity in all aspects of society. Together, let us honor the enduring legacy of Black history and continue to strive toward a more just and equitable world for all.

Happy Black History Month!

In the bustling city where the skatepark meets the library, Max, a fearless skateboarding tomboy with a passion for adrenaline, crosses paths with Lucas, a nerd who secretly yearns for a taste of coolness. As Valentine’s Day approaches, their worlds collide unexpectedly, leading to a heartwarming and adventurous love story.

Max spends her days tearing up the skatepark, mastering daring tricks, and embracing her tomboy persona. Lucas, on the other hand, buries himself in nerdy activities, dreaming of a cooler version of himself. Their lives seem worlds apart until a community event brings them together.

The local school organizes a Valentine’s Day celebration, featuring a skateboarding competition and a basketball fair. Max, always up for a challenge, enters the competition, while Lucas volunteers to try out for his school basketball team, hoping to impress his crush from afar.

As Max practices her moves at the skatepark, Lucas becomes intrigued by her fearless spirit. One day he mustered the courage to approach her, seeking skateboarding lessons. After some convincing, Max agrees, and their unlikely friendship blossoms.

In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, Max helps Lucas gain confidence on the skateboard, while Lucas introduces Max to the joy of his true passions. Together, they navigate the challenges of blending their contrasting worlds, facing judgment from others who can’t understand their connection.

On Valentine’s Day, Max competes in the skateboarding competition, showcasing her skills and her newfound bond with Lucas. Lucas, in turn, surprises Max with a brand-new skateboard that reflects his appreciation for her world. The city witnesses a unique and heartwarming fusion of skateboarding and geekiness.

Ultimately, Max and Lucas discover that love transcends stereotypes, and embraces each other’s passions. The story concludes with a romantic skateboarding adventure under the starlit sky, symbolizing the perfect blend of Max and Lucas’s worlds.

By: May Smith

Aries – Burnout is real, and you can’t remedy it on the fly, Aries. This week it’s important that you create space in your life for self-care. I’m not talking about pedicures and sheet masks, as fun as those things are. What you need is time and space for your body and your emotions to catch up. This may feel like sitting around and doing nothing, which can be really frustrating for you. But, too much time and energy spent on doing can actually block getting things done in the long run.

Taurus – As you change, all that you encounter is likely to feel a little bit different. This can be off putting or confusing at times, but the key is to stay emotionally connected to your values and intentions. The truth is that sometimes discomfort or unease is the assignment of the moment. You may be doing everything right, but if you don’t investigate, it’s hard to gain clarity. Make room for the vulnerability and emotional awkwardness that comes with change, Taurus.

Gemini – This week, it’s important that you learn from past experiences. You may be feeling restless or uncomfortable with the way things are, but if you allow yourself to act or react from that place, without taking the time to notice the patterns that are at play, you’re likely to miss some important information. Don’t forget to be curious about the themes at play in your life so that you can both better understand them, but also remember to make choices that reflect what you’re excited about.

Cancer – People talk about letting go all the time, but what does it mean really? The practice of letting go is not one of pulling your heart and love back and being less invested in your motivations and what you’re doing. It is instead about releasing your attachment to how you believe things should go and what timeline things have to happen on. It’s also about releasing your requirement for proof or evidence in order to have faith in the process. So when you hear that it’s time to let go, now you know the assignment.

Leo – You have so much to be grateful for, and the more that you align with that, the better you’re going to be able to leverage the opportunities in front of you, Leo. This week may find you making major moves in your relationships and personal life. The key is to not confuse attention with love or affirmation. You are in the right space to make healthy compromises that help to improve the state of love in your life.

Virgo – You’re wrestling with some really major stuff, Virgo, and it’s likely to trigger some big emotions and even bigger ideas. Do your best to find ways of slowing down and getting into your body so that you can figure out what you’re really feeling and what you need. If you stay too in your head about things, you run the risk of letting your ego take over. While your ego isn’t inherently bad, it’s not the most reliable internal resource for making wise decisions. Check in with your gut this week.

Libra – Take the time to reflect on how far you’ve come, Libra. You’ve been navigating some really important emotional changes, and if you don’t take stock of how far you’ve come, you may not incorporate that growth into your identity. Sometimes the most important work you can do on yourself and in your life is to take it all in and digest it. Seeking equilibrium will help you a great deal this week.

Scorpio – This week, it’s important that you put yourself out there and make some big moves. That said, if you don’t approach matters in a collaborative way, you’re likely to feel overloaded, which will backfire on you pretty quickly. Don’t allow fear or pride to motivate you, Scorpio. Now is the time for you to be the change that you want to see in your life, regardless of your current circumstances.

Sagittarius – It’s hard to have peace of mind when you’re in a state of restlessness. This week, you may be seeking certainty where it doesn’t exist or looking for affirmations before they’re ready. Find and cultivate a sense of equilibrium or balance within yourself, Sagittarius. Essentially, this means returning your energy to its centre and developing non-attachment to what happens, expected timelines, or how things will unfold.

Capricorn – If you can motivate yourself based on your passions instead of competition or scarcity-based thinking, you’ll not only be happier but you’ll also be more successful. This week, you may be feeling agitated or defensive, and if that’s the case, you need to get your energy back in line. You are perfectly capable of handling whatever is in front of you in a wise and sustainable way; all it will take is a shift in your perspective and a willingness to see things differently.

Aquarius – When frustrations are high, it is really easy to lose track of yourself. Do your best to get and stay grounded this week, especially when things are not going your way. How you respond to your circumstances is much more a reflection on you than on the people around you. In other words, don’t let your most unruly emotions define you, Aquarius. Learn to sit with and nurture your feelings when you need it most.

Pisces – If your friends can’t celebrate your wins with you, are they really your friends? This week, you may be questioning the welfare of some of your close relationships, and while that’s not fun, it’s important to do so. Acknowledging problems in your relationships isn’t a rejection of the people you’re connected to; it’s an investment. By identifying what is and isn’t working, you can invest in the people and situations that are uplifting you and work on or with the ones that aren’t.